John Glenn, a true American hero and icon, passed away this week at the age of 95.   This article in Friday’s Times Reporter painted a beautiful portrait of his life.  As a pilot, war veteran, astronaut, and politician, his life was an embodiment of the greatness of our country.  He lived a life of…

HARD WORK

COURAGE

SACRIFICE

RESPECT FOR OTHERS

SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY

Those five traits are the foundational building blocks to the success and greatness of America over the past 240 years.  And the future success of our country is dependent on our citizens upholding those five principles.  The fear of many, including myself, is that those five principles are not as valued and put into practice as they once were.

We can honor those have worked and sacrificed to make America great by striving to carry out these principles each and every day.  A few are iconic American legends like Senator Glenn.  Millions more were those just typical, anonymous Americans  such as my grandfather or veterans such as Jim Mason that have spoken at my school (both whom I blogged about) that served in our nation’s military.  Tens of millions more never wore a military uniform, but served their country well by serving others, such as the these great retired teachers that I wrote about.  Most all of us have been blessed to have great people like this in our lives.

I have a special connection with John Glenn.  We both attended Muskingum College.  And I am extremely proud, humbled and honored to say that I received the John Glenn Scholarship from the school many years ago.  Probably the best way that I can show gratitude to Senator Glenn by carrying out those five principles in my own little corner of the world.

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